Android® Operating System (OS) FAQs

Android is an OS created by Google® for use on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. It's available on devices made by a variety of manufacturers, giving you more choices of device style and pricing. Además, con el SO Android, puedes personalizar tu dispositivo de varias maneras.

You can learn more on the Android OS Support page.

The steps to find the current OS version vary by device. A continuación te mostramos instrucciones generales que funcionan en la mayoría de dispositivos Android. For detailed instructions about a specific device, please check the User Guide.

To find out which Android OS is on your device:

1. Open your device's Settings.
2. Tap About Phone or About Device.
3. Tap Android Version to display your version information.

Device models receive software updates at different times. Typically, you'll receive a notification on your device, letting you know there's an update available.

You can also check the Advanced Devices - Software Updates page regularly to see if your device can be updated. Instructions for completing an OS update are available on that page as well.

No, updating your Android OS is free. You won't be charged for the update or for the data usage to receive the update.

Refer to our Operating System FAQs for answers to common questions about OS updates, including:

• What is an OS update?
• ¿Cómo sé que hay disponible una actualización de SO en mi dispositivo?
• ¿Cómo actualizo el SO en mi dispositivo?
• What should I know before installing an OS update?

No, you don't. However, it's highly recommended because many of the services require you to sign in with a Gmail account to use them. For example, you won't be able to access Google Play™ to download apps.

You can set up a free Gmail account online or from your device.

Google Play is the Android storefront where you can shop for apps, games, music, videos and books for your Android device. It offers both free and paid apps. Todo lo que compres en Google Play estará disponible en otros dispositivos compatibles con Android que hayas conectado a tu cuenta de Google.

Yes, you can receive OTA software updates on Android devices.

Sí, usando tu cuenta de Google, puedes sincronizar y transferir contactos entre múltiples dispositivos Android. Solo necesitas iniciar sesión en cada dispositivo usando el mismo nombre de usuario y contraseña de Google.

You can also sync media (e.g., pictures, videos, etc.) through Verizon Cloud.

No, there's not dedicated memory on the device for apps, widgets, etc.

The number of simultaneous apps open will vary by device because the Android OS will stop some idle apps from running. Additionally, it's recommended that you close apps you're not using to conserve your device's energy and help it run at its optimal speed.

Sí, puedes sincronizar tu dispositivo Android con tu correo electrónico, contactos y calendario a través de Exchange. You can even view your work and personal email accounts in a single, unified inbox.

For device-specific instructions on how to sync your email, go to our Interactive Simulators page. Select your device from the list and select the Email section.

Yes, you can purchase Android devices online on our Android smartphones page.

No, Google is a collection of services that run independently from Google Play apps. Individual Google services, such as Gmail or Google Calendar, might not receive updates, or you may not be able to access a certain function if a specific service stops working. Por ejemplo, si Google Play está afectado, es posible que no puedas acceder a Google Play Store en tu dispositivo.

The latest version of Android OS is 10, released in September 2019. Learn more about OS 10, including its key features.

Older versions of Android include:

• Pie (9.0)
• Oreo (8.0)
• Nougat (7.0)
• Marshmallow (6.0)
• Lollipop (5.0)
• KitKat (4.4)
• Jellybean (4.3, 4.2 and 4.1)
• Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0)
• Honeycomb (3.0)
• Gingerbread (2.3)
• Froyo (2.2)
• Éclair (2.1)
• Donut (1.6)

Pie is only available on select Android devices. Some newly released Android devices will ship with Pie preloaded.

If your device is running an older Android version, you can regularly check the Advanced Devices - Software Updates page to see if the Pie update is available for your device. Each manufacturer determines which devices they will update and what the schedule will be.

Quick Settings allows you to access frequently used settings including connectivity settings, flashlight and screen rotation. To access Quick Settings, swipe down twice from the top of the screen.

Immersive mode is a full-screen feature in KitKat. It uses your entire screen while reading books, watching movies, playing games and listening to music to maximize the available viewing area.

The notification bar, navigation buttons and battery icon are hidden from view while you're in this mode. To restore these items and exit Immersive mode, swipe your finger along the edge of the top or bottom of the screen.

Yes, however you may need to reinstall* certain apps. For more information about a specific app, go to Google Play.

*Se puede aplicar el uso de datos.

If you're having an issue with your Android device, our online Troubleshooting Assistant may be able to help. Selecciona el nombre de tu dispositivo en la lista para ver los temas disponibles en diagnóstico de problemas.